Buena Vista Master Plan Implementation

Pathway Realignments

Two sections of the riverside path are being threatened by riverbank erosion. New trail sections will be created a safe distance away from the edge of the bank and connected to the main trail. The eroding trail sections will be closed and re-naturalized.

Stairway Additions

The existing stairs near the Whitewater Paddlers location are presently in poor condition and will be replaced. An additional set of stairs will be added along the riverside trail to provide another safe means for park users to access the water.

Dog Beach Access Stairs

The popular “dog beach” is accessed via a steep, eroding slope. To improve access, a subtle set of embedded stairs will be installed along one side of the slope. A natural path for dogs to use will be maintained alongside the stairs.

Melton Ravine Bicycle Trail Realignment

The bicycle path through Melton Ravine will be realigned to improve access onto the Hawrelak footbridge. The section of trail that will no longer be utilized following the realignment will be closed and re-naturalized.

Shared-use Pathway Improvements

The wide, shared-use pathway corridor through Buena Vista Park will be altered to provide two parallel path types. A three metre-wide asphalt path will be installed on one side, and a gravel path will be created on the other side. A one metre-wide vegetated swale will separate the two paths. This pathway improvement will bring this trail in line with City of Edmonton standards for shared-use pathways, and also completes this section of the Trans Canada trail network.

This project component is being supported by the Government of Canada’s Trail Improvements program and the National Trails Coalition.

Secondary Pathway Improvements

The secondary pathways (formal gravel trails) in the park will be re-graded to improve drainage off the walking surfaces. A new gravel surface will also be applied to these trails.

Amenity Node

The amenity node in Buena Vista Park, located near the dog training area, will include an accessible vault toilet facility, dog watering fountain, waste receptacle, bench and an information/wayfinding kiosk for users to find maps, wayfinding and information signage.

The off-leash area amenity node provides a more centrally located washroom as an alternative to the “port-a-potty” located in the off-leash parking lot. A dog tie-up would allow park users to use the washroom without worrying about their dog’s safety. As well, the accessible toilet provides a near-by amenity for mobility impaired dog-walkers who use the off-leash training area.

Enclosed Off-Leash Training Area

A fenced and gated off-leash area will be established for dog training and for barrier-free access for elderly and mobility-impaired dog walkers. The training area will feature a looping pathway and both grassed and forested landscapes for dogs to explore.

Yorath House Parking Lot Addition

A new 20 stall gravel parking lot will be created across from the existing parking lot at the Rowing Club. This lot will be available to be used by Yorath House guests and park users.

Yorath House Redevelopment

The former Yorath residence was purchased by the City of Edmonton in 1992 with the intention of repurposing the property into a four-season public amenity. The property has remained vacant since it was acquired, but now the vision for this site is being realized. The redeveloped Yorath house includes:

Creation of three bookable spaces capable of hosting up to 160 people

Creation of a studio space for use by local artists or community groups

New amenities, including washrooms, stair case, and small elevator

Restoration of the exterior home to the original 1949 footprint and finishing

The Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park 10-year Master Plan was approved by City Council. The plan strives to increase people's opportunities to experience and enjoy the park while preserving and enhancing the ecological systems in place.

The plan expands opportunities to view and touch the water, introduces additional amenities, enhances existing facilities such as Yorath House, increases barrier-free design through the parks, identifies preservation areas and implements measures to protect and stabilize shoreline areas along the North Saskatchewan River.

The master plan is being implemented in phases and will be completed by 2018.

Notice to Park Users

Construction projects are underway at Buena Vista Park and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park. Visitors should expect detours and possible traffic delays at both parks. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park will be closed for bookings and events until after the September long weekend.

Construction

These projects are all part of the Buena Vista Master/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Master Plan implementation and are anticipated to be complete in 2017.

Buena Vista Road and the park entrance complete June 2017

Renovation of the Yorath House (1), construction of the Yorath parking lot (2), and the off-leash meeting area amenity node (4) began in September 2016. Completion is scheduled for December, 2017. Landscaping around the house to be complete in the Spring of 2018

Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park - Phase II Revitalization work is scheduled to begin in June 2017 with anticipated completion in October 2017

Phase II Revitalization work includes:

Resurface granular parking lots

Bio swale and LID rain-gardens in rowing club parking lot

Add removable speed bumps in Laurier Park

Resurface granular trails and construct asphalt trails

Add two wooden view-decks

Upgrade picnic sites and concrete pads

Add three new picnic shelters

Remove and replace two playgrounds, boulders and landscaping

Demolition and construction of a new washroom in Laurier Park will begin in fall of 2017

2014

Project Overview

A total of $8.3 million has been approved by City Council to begin implementation of the master plan. Funded elements include:

Improving park entrance including new park signage and landscaping

Developing a roundabout for improved access to the parks and Edmonton Valley Zoo as part of the Buena Vista Road rehabilitation project

Enhancing the off-leash area of Buena Vista Park including accessibility improvements to the ‘dog beach’, a new three season washroom facility and information kiosk and trail and pathway improvements

Enhancing the existing shared use path from gravel to asphalt surfacing to improve all season accessibility through Buena Vista Park

Improving the wayfinding and park signage in Buena Vista Park

Improving parking and access in both parks

Improving riverside paths in both parks

Removing weeds and restoring vegetation in Buena Vista Park

Redeveloping Yorath House

Yorath House, located in Buena Vista Park, was acquired by the City of Edmonton in 1992 with intentions to repurpose the property into a four-season public amenity building. While various studies and assessments were completed, the property has never been redeveloped and continues to sit vacant within the park. Yorath House is listed on the City’s Inventory of Historic Properties and the City is seeking formal designation of Yorath House as a Municipal Historic Resource.

The Buena Vista/Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Master Plan provided the opportunity to revisit the discussion and better understand what role Yorath House might have in the park. Through public consultation it was clear that park users wished to see the space redeveloped into a public amenity building to serve the park. Redevelopment includes four-season washrooms, space to warm up in the winter and opportunities for public programs and events.